PARKING BLUES
Can you park on double yellow lines with a disabled badge?
See how much you could be fined for using the badge incorrectly
BLUE Badges are awarded to people with disabilities and their carers, making it for them easier to find a parking spot.
Here's everything you need to know about where you can use the badge, as well as the restrictions on where you can park with one.
1
Can you park on double yellow lines with a disabled badge?
It is possible for Blue Badge holders to park on double yellow lines.
However, this is only for a period of three hours.
It is important to display your Blue Badge and the blue clock to show when you've arrived.
Not displaying this badge will mean that you will be treated the same as normal road users.
In general, blue badge holders shouldn't park where there are restrictions on loading or unloading.
These are usually indicated by yellow kerb dashes, but check with your local council to see if this restriction applies.
As Gov.uk explains: "The Blue Badge is not a licence to park anywhere.
"If you park where it would cause an obstruction or danger to other road users you could be fined or receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) or have your vehicle removed."
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There are two levels of fines for PNCs, either £80 or £130 — most are issued at the higher rate.
The website adds: "It is a criminal offence for you or anyone else to misuse the badge. Doing so could lead to a £1,000 fine and confiscation of the badge."
How to appeal a parking ticket
Can you park on red lines with a disabled badge?
Red routes are generally in Greater London, but a small number do exist outside of the capital.
It is best to check before parking on a red route with a Blue Badge, as you wouldn't want to risk a fine.
Call TfL or visit their website if you are in London to find out which roads with red lines you can park on.
The same information can be found outside of London by contacting your local council.
The Blue Badge is not a licence to park anywhere
Gov.uk
Do Blue Badge holders have to pay congestion charge?
If you hold a blue badge, you're eligible for a 100% discount from the congestion charge.
Even people who don't have a vehicle or drive are eligible for the congestion charge exemption, as long as they have a Blue Badge.
If your vehicle has a disabled road fund licence then you will receive the discount automatically and don't need to register.
To display the badge correctly it needs to be on the dashboard or facia panel of your vehicle.
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If that is not possible you need to display it somewhere clearly visible from the outside.
If it is not displayed correctly this could result in parking fines or penalty charge notices.
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